Telling the time
What time is it? half past, quarter to, at seven
The rules
- 30 minutes after three is "half past three".
- 8:45 is 15 minutes before nine: "quarter to nine".
- Use "at" with clock times.
- The question is "What time is it?".
- 10 minutes after six is "ten past six".
- Subject + verb + at + time.
Examples
- half past three
- quarter to nine
- The shop opens at nine o’clock.
- “What time is it?” “It’s five o’clock.”
- ten past six
- The class starts at eight o’clock.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.How do you say 3:30?
2.How do you say 8:45?
3.The shop opens _____ nine o’clock.
4.“What time _____ it?” “It’s five o’clock.”
5.How do you say 6:10?